Mercedes-Benz C32 AMG Reviews

Mercedes-Benz C32 AMG Reviews and Owner Comments

I've had this car (2nd owner) since 2003 and have only 2 gripes. The antenna connection to my radio is fritzed (connector problem, antenna amplifier, broken antenna lead in window, who knows?). The radio has tested fine (COMAND 2.0) and the antenna amp has been replaced by MB. I finally gave up and just strung a wire antenna across the dash and gave up on the fancy Mercedes solution. The radio misses the gain provided by the amplifier but I live in the city so the reception is OK without it. Also living in Texas makes me wish the AC unit had more oompf. It will cool things down moderately fast but not as quickly as a good US AC unit. The car goes like a scalded cat and is quiet! Nicest muscle car ride I've ever had.

Great little car in a lot of ways. Excellent power. Terrific handling once one turns off the traction control. Stock it puts out 349hp.

Issues:1) MB is the only car manufacturer in the world that cannot make a decent lock actuator. Unlike the electric ones which work for twenty years, the vacuum units on the MB fail regularly. One has to drill out the pop rivets for the airbag to replace the driver's vacuum acuator. Plan to spend $500 to have a shop replace it.

2) The secondary air injector and its relay are very common failure items. Plan to spend $800 to $922 to have a shop replace them.

3) This monster eats rear tires. Six months or six thousand miles is acceptable according to the Costco in Poway, CA, Herb their service manager, and Jacob, the assistant buyer for tires nationwide. $1600 a set.

4) The air dam is low. It is in danger around many curbs and parking lot planters/wheel stops. $2200 with matching paint.

5) The transmission is harsh at 1500 rpm on many of these.

6) High maintenance costs and extremely high repair costs.

7) Brake pads are hard to replace (drift pin design) and the calipers do not come painted from the factory.